Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Turner.
Tiffany, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Of course! I began sewing back in March of 2014. I was just married and a new stepmom and I suppose I was looking for a hobby. Making my own clothes had always been a thought in the back of my mind. Whenever I was out shopping I would think “I really like that but I wish it came in red” or “That would be cuter if it was shorter” and I figured if I could sew then I could make my clothes exactly like I wanted. So six years ago, I “borrowed” my mother’s machine and attempted my first project – a pencil skirt. It didn’t turn out like I hoped and I wanted to give up right then. My husband asked me why I thought my first piece would be perfect and I replied “because I followed the directions”. He encouraged me to try again and reminded to be patient with myself.
Thankfully I stuck with it, teaching myself skills using YouTube videos, blog posts, books and trial and error. Turns out, I was a bit of a natural or as my mother would say, “it’s in my blood,” and I was hooked. Just five months later, my first blog post was up. Starting a blog seemed like the best way to journal my sewing creations for myself as I wasn’t sure if anyone else would ever stumble across my posts.
Within a year of starting the blog, originally named Frougie Fashionista, I had written 55 posts, taken over half of my husband’s office, invested in a serger, drafted my own pattern and attended my first sewing conference. I also won the first sewing contest I entered, which was a huge boost of confidence. Along the way, I started an Instagram and Facebook page. Organically more and more people discovered me on social media and I developed a following. I’ve run into several people locally and at sewing gatherings across the country who come up and tell me I’ve inspired them to learn to sew. That is my favorite thing to hear!
TipStitched was born in 2015 when I began an online store to sell handmade clothing for women. In 2017, I started a YouTube channel as an additional way to reach more people. That is also the year I started pattern testing for independent pattern makers. Along the way, I’ve created sewing related apparel and gifts, which I sell in my Etsy store. Some items are also sold locally in my favorite sewing store, Topstitch Studio and Lounge.
Has it been a smooth road?
Overall I would say that the road has been pretty smooth, that’s not to say there haven’t been some forks and detours along the way. For me, the hardest thing was figuring out my place in the sewing community and balancing all the ideas I have for TipStitched with my already busy life.
Anyone who sews knows that as soon as people find out, you sew you are bombarded with requests for alterations or custom pieces and “encouragement” to start your own clothing line. Early on, I listened and tried to turn my hobby into a side hustle by sewing for others. My first attempts to sell consignment/wholesale went awry and left me yards of fabric and money wasted. I then tried to sell items myself via an online store and even did a couple of tent sales at local events. My success with the store was limited though it did lead to more requests to sew for hire, which I did for a while. Soon I realized that fulfilling custom orders took away all my time to sew for myself. Since I work full time, my sewing time is limited and I realized that I really love creating for myself.
These experiences truly helped me to understand that what I really love is sharing my love of sewing with others – encouraging them to start or supporting them to grow in their sewing journey. My goal is to be a useful resource for the sewing community, particularly newbies.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the TipStitched story. Tell us more about the business.
The goal of my brand, TipStitched, is to inspire and support other apparel sewists through sharing my sewing journey. I believe that anyone who wants to sew can learn to do so. I also enjoy creating tools that aid and merchandise that resonates with the community. I’m probably most known for how well I pair fabrics and patterns, how quickly I can churn out projects and how honestly I review pattern releases as they are probably the top comments I receive. Personally, I hope I’m known for being helpful, honest and humorous.
I’m more of a technical, left-brained person and that sets me apart from many other sewists who tend to be more artsy and creative. As an engineer with a strong background in math and physics, I never felt I had a creative bone in my body. I feel that my technical take on sewing can reach some sewists who approach the craft with more of analytic lean. This allows me to reach others who may feel that they lack the creativity to enter the sewing world. Going forward, I hope to provide more informational content via multiple media on some of the common issues newbie sewers face so they don’t feel defeated and continue to pursue sewing. I used to think there was no need as there are so many sewists to follow and learn from, but everyone brings something different in their approach so we are all needed.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see more and more people taking up sewing, especially during this time, with so many people sheltering in place and trying new hobbies. With the high demand for masks, many people are starting to or returning to sewing to meet the need. I hope that these people stick with sewing and explore garment sewing or quilting.
I’ve also been noticing more independent pattern companies sprouting up and this is wonderful as each designer has their own view to share with the world. As a result, many sewists are making a shift from the Big Four pattern makers towards independent pattern companies. My hope is that there will continue to be room for both.
Pricing:
- T-shirts $30+
- Mugs $14+
- Sewing Journal $10
Contact Info:
- Website: TipStitched.com
- Email: tiffany@tipstitched.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/tipstitched
- Facebook: facebook.com/tipstitched
- Twitter: twitter.com/tipstitched
- Other: etsy.com/shop/TipStitched
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